Made for Big Days
Traditional backcountry ski packs get less attention in this age of avalanche airbag packs. Airbags certainly have their place, but so do regular ski packs. For example, the Gregory Targhee FT 35. It’s a ski pack that’s ready for big loads, overnight trips and technical objectives.
Targhee Pack Design
The Targhee FT 35 is a traditional top loader with a large opening and extendable volume to meet the demands of gear-intensive missions. FT stands for FastTrack, a ski carry system that lets you strap your skis on without removing the pack (more on this below).
One thing that sets the Targhee FT apart from other packs in its class is a lightweight (and removable) internal frame. Given the pack’s ability to swallow gear, the frame keeps a heavy load stable and well-supported. That said, it’s overkill for a basic day-ski load, and Gregory wisely made it removable. They even promote a “lightweight mode” without it. The internal frame — a plastic sheet and aluminum stays — comes out as one piece. I actually found I liked the pack best with the plastic sheet installed, but minus the aluminum framing. You can also remove the hip belt and top lid for a stripped-down “summit” pack.
Another nice design feature is the way the top opening incorporates a full-length vertical zipper. The zipper effectively creates side access (from the top or bottom) to the main body, so you can grab what you need without going through the top. It’s an essential detail for any pack without backpanel access.
The overall feel of the Targhee FT is trim and comfortable, albeit with a relatively tall profile. The suspension and overall build benefit from Gregory’s years of quality pack design. It rides snug to the body, and quality materials give it a solid, adventure-worthy feel.
Pack Size
Pack volume measurements vary between brands, and the Targhee FastTrack’s 35 liters is more generous than many 40-liter-rated packs I’ve used. It’s spacious enough to take a lightweight overnight load. But it could also be just right for someone who likes (or needs) to pack extra gear on day trips or if you’re looking for a ski-oriented pack that’s up for technical tours that require packing a rope, harness and associated gear.
Features
First and foremost, a backcountry ski pack needs separate storage for avalanche tools. The Targhee FastTrack features a dedicated tools pocket on the front, with sleeves for a probe and a shovel handle. I’d like to see the pocket extend to the base of the pack for better pack compression when the main body isn’t fully loaded, while still leaving plenty of room for a good shovel and a three-meter probe.
Next up is a selection of pockets to keep all your small stuff organized and easy to access. In keeping with its traditional top-load design, accessory pockets are limited to two on the top lid and a small hip-belt pocket. I was also able to stow my repair kit in the small pocket for the helmet carry strap in the avalanche tools pocket.
FastTrack Ski Carry System
As mentioned, the FT in the name stands for FastTrack and refers to the ski-carry system that allows strapping skis on without removing the pack. The design lets you pair your skis, slide the tails through a spacious side loop, and then secure the tips with a bungee-like strap that’s accessible from the shoulder strap. It’s actually pretty slick and seems appropriate for a pack suited to technical endeavors, where you’ll inevitably be kicking steps up a bootpack. Gregory has a short video that shows the FastTrack ski carry in action, which is far better than anything we could create. Alongside technical features, the pack also includes secure ice axe storage. And there’s an extra strap under the lid to secure a rope.
Best Use
The Gregory Targhee FT 35 holds a lot of stuff. While it’s a basic top-loading pack, numerous design features take it well beyond basic. It’s a ski pack designed for fast and light overnight missions and technical objectives. It’s a good choice for a lightweight Spearhead tour or even the Wapta if you are a serious gram counter. You can always pack lightly, remove the frame and use it for day trip powder laps, too. But its forte is carrying a load efficiently. There’s a Targhee FT 45 for skiers looking to extend their range beyond a night or two. And there’s a Targhee FT 25 for quick-hit objectives and sidecountry adventures.
Gregory Targhee FastTrack 35 Ski Pack $220
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